North Farm News
 August 2001

Published bimonthly by North Farm Cooperative for its customers/members. To submit original articles or provide feedback, please
e-mail the Editor, Norma Woods.

In This Issue:

The Times, They Are A Changin' 

Labor Day Deliveries

Tap Into North Farm to Help Grow Your Buying Club

Member Forum:  Questions & Answers

Thanks For Your Attendance

Members Tour Warehouse at GMM

Ronnie Cummins Keynotes GMM

GMM Herb Walk A Great Success

Pasta Made Perfect:  RP's Pastas

Better Health Through Reflexology

Food Allergies and Sensitivities

Glaceau Promotes Hydration

New Flavors, Products, Brands

A Women's Health Resource

North Farm Staff Picks Favorite Products

Pantry Values: Stock Up and Save

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The Times, They Are A Changin'
by Mark Slagh, General Manager

It was wonderful to meet so many of you at our General Membership Meeting (GMM) in May.

On Friday, several dozen people participated in the warehouse tours and herb walk. Members saw what $2 million dollars of products look like and left with a better appreciation of the challenges we tackle in getting you the food you want.

Perhaps the most fun was the Member Picnic at beautiful Olin Park on Friday evening. Some 300 members shared good food, great music, squirt gun play, volleyball and relaxed conversation on a gorgeous evening.

On Saturday, Keynote Speaker Ronnie Cummins awed us with his extensive knowledge of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food supply. While we’ve been aware of the issue for some time, I encourage you to learn more about this threat. Ronnie’s Web site is www.organicconsumers.org

Buying Clubs kept us busy with questions and discussions about service and product selection for over an hour. I truly appreciated the chance to “talk shop”. Consistent delivery times, mispicks and prices topped the list of concerns. 

Nearly a thousand people attended events on Saturday and many went home with great door prizes contributed by our vendors. Over a hundred suppliers provided free samples of their products at our Natural Products Show.

We had entertainment ranging from a Fitness Challenge with Dragan of Green Foods (he won) to juggling by the Truly Remarkable Loon, massages and workshops. We also previewed our Tailgate Outlet; watch for this exciting new service at upcoming deliveries—and please offer your suggestions.

On the operations front, long-awaited service improvements will be made this summer: 

To reduce costs and damage to products in transit, we are switching to reusable plastic storage bins (totes). New labels are being tested in the picking process to help reduce mispicks. If you don’t see significant improvement by Fall, call your Warehouse Manager, David Fredrickson, or me.

Your Transportation Manager, Bob Stalker, understands consistent delivery time is a priority. His Transportation Team is working with Member Services to find ways to serve new members without disrupting present members. Some adjustments to delivery routes will continue as clubs form and disband, but we’re committed to negotiating major changes with you and your driver.

Mike Rasmussen, your Controller, is working with the Accounting Team to assure credits are issued promptly. Working with Member Services, we’re tailoring our processes to simplify things. We’re also exploring refinancing options, including member loans and preferred shares. Call Mike or KJ Jacobson to learn more.

We’re looking for a new Distribution Purchasing Manager to help reduce chronic out-of-stocks. We need a new perspective to further improve service levels. This is a priority; I’ve heard your concerns clearly.

Computers have been a challenge and our new Information Systems Manager, Bruce Hughes, brings with him the diverse experience we need. His first priority is the internal reporting system. Next, he will refine our new Web-based ordering system which has been in testing. 

Becky Sonstrom, Sales and Marketing Manager, is exploring new ways to present products. From our printed Price Lists to our Online Product Catalog (www.northfarm.com), she welcomes your suggestions. 

Finally, staff members from every department will be hitting the road with our illustrious drivers in the coming months. We have nearly 125 people working hard for you each day, and you’ll be meeting many of them soon. Tell them what you think, and help them learn how to make your North Farm experience the best! 

Please contact me with questions or comments at 1-800-236-5880, ext 2665 or call Ellie Puccio, Executive Assistant, ext 2663.

Reusable Tote Containers Replace Cardboard
by Becky Sonstrom, Sales & Marketing Manager

Always looking for operational and service improvements, North Farm Cooperative is phasing out the use of cardboard boxes for “repack” products, and will instead utilize reusable plastic totes beginning July 9. Annually we spend over $75,000 on cardboard boxes and red tape. The reusable totes will have an initial cost of $50,000 and have an expected life of ten years.

The totes are stackable and very sturdy and will eliminate product damage caused by crushed cardboard. We tested the totes on recent deliveries and received very positive feedback from our members.

You may elect to unpack items from the totes on delivery day or keep the totes and return them on your next delivery. If you choose to keep them, a deposit of $10 per tote will be added to your next invoice and will be adjusted off invoice upon returning the tote to North Farm. 

If you choose to unpack the totes, please have additional help available to do this while the rest of your order is unloaded. Also, bring your own bags, boxes and coolers to carry your items home. May we suggest using the new North Farm canvas bags (#9982) which many of you picked up at the GMM in May. 

We will continue to evaluate and implement processes that improve our service to you and contribute to your cooperative’s overall financial well-being. As always, your questions and comments are welcome and appreciated. Drop us an email, nfcoop@northfarm.com, or call Member Services at 1-800-236-5880 or 608-241-COOP.

Labor Day Deliveries

North Farm will make deliveries on Labor Day, Monday, September 3. If you do not want delivery that day, please inform Member Services. We will try to reschedule your delivery but must honor the standing delivery times of other members.

Order days leading up to and following Labor Day are subject to change. A letter noting order changes will be sent to coordinators in mid-July. Please call Member Services if you have any questions about those changes.

Member Services will be open from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Orders due that Monday are due BEFORE 12 noon. Please place your orders early.

Have a safe and happy holiday!

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Tap Into North Farm To Help Grow Your
Buying Club
by Sara Procknow, Marketing & Publications Coordinator

North Farm Cooperative would like to help interested buying clubs grow their membership and increase awareness of natural products available through our Cooperative. Here are several ideas:

• Hand out North Farm Price Lists. Simply ask Member Services to add extra Price Lists to your regular order so you can pass them out to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. Price Lists for membership drives cost only a penny each.

• Advertise in the local newspaper. North Farm can customize a small, one-column ad for you to place in the local newspaper. It is typically quite cost-effective for clubs to place this small ad. (See example.) For help in creating an ad for your local news-paper, call Sara Procknow at 1-800-236-5880, ext. 2668. Or, e-mail sprocknow@northfarm.com

• Host a Meeting. We typically do chapter meetings in the summer and fall. We’ll bring plenty of samples and will help defray the cost of a guest speaker and hall fee. You help us find a nice, inexpensive location (church, school, town hall) to host an open-house-style meeting and also encourage attendance of your club, neighbors and friends. If you are interested in helping us by co-hosting a meeting in your area, please call Becky Sonstrom at 1-800-236-5880, ext. 2607. Or, e-mail rsonstrom@northfarm.com

• Host a table at an event. If there is an event in your area – a walk-a-thon, Earth Day celebration, health fair, wellness expo, county fair or other event, consider hosting a North Farm table. We will help defray the cost of the table or booth and send you plenty of samples, buying club brochures and Price Lists. For help in hosting a local event, call Sara Procknow at 1-800-236-5880, ext. 2668. Or, e-mail sprocknow@northfarm.com

• Join another club in your area. If your club is having difficulty meeting order minimums, or you need more people involved to divide up the duties of the club, the next best thing to growing your own club is to join with another existing buying club. We have many, many buying clubs located throughout 13 midwestern states, so it is very likely there is another club within a 25-mile radius of your club. Call Member Services today to find out your nearest club.

For more great membership ideas, please see Member Forum article below.

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Member Forum: Questions & Answers

We are hoping our smart North Farm members can answer the following questions:

Q: Is it true raw nuts are much better for you than roasted?

Q: At a recent workshop on herbs I heard plant cell walls are hard to break down. Drying herbs breaks down the cell walls and, therefore, herbal teas are healthier if made from dried (not fresh) herbs. Also, oil and vinegar help break down the cell walls of raw salad greens making the nutrients more available. Those who eat salads plain (without dressing) may not be assimilating all the nutrients they could. Is this correct?

Please send your replies or questions to the Editor. (See box below.)

Member Services receives calls occasionally from members who want to know how to attract new members to their group. The following is excerpted from our Buying Club Resource Guide:

Publicizing Your Buying Club:

• Word-of-mouth: One buying club doubled their membership by having each member bring one friend to the next order session. Presto!

• Contact your local newspaper about featuring your buying club. During Co-op Month (October), send out a press release describing your buying club to local papers and T.V. and radio stations. Have a member ready to be interviewed and provide information.

• Design a poster or check with your co-op wholesaler about purchasing one. Make copies and post them around town and send to community organizations and churches. Design the poster to be read at a glance from six feet.

• Call a local radio “Buy, Sell, Swap” call-in show. Briefly describe your buying club and what’s available through it. Offer a contact person’s name and phone number. 

• Contact organizations whose members have an interest in health food or who have special dietary needs. Consider contacting La Leche League, local heart or cancer associations, groups for parents of hyperactive children, people with allergies and sensitivities, or your PTA or church group.
Please see Tap Into article above.

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Thanks For Your Attendance
by Wendell Nekoranec, Board Member

As I reflect on all the positive support I see from North Farm members, the strongest support recently must be the large, overwhelming turnout for the 2001 General Membership Meeting (GMM). The support surfaced early and maintained itself to the end.

When I opened the Business Meeting, I expressed my thanks for the filled room which mirrored the large attendance of the previous day at the herb walk, the two warehouse tours, and the grandest event of the day—the picnic. I’ll admit in an embarrassed but proud way we ran out of food. Oh, yes, we ran out of beer, too. Supplies arrived, but such a miscalculation happened due to the memberships’ overwhelming support and desire to participate in North Farm.

As the Business Meeting closed, the full house remained in the meeting room eager to hear the Keynote Address. Ronnie Cummins, of the Organic Consumers’ Association, gave a compelling speech on genetically modified organisms and he continued to discuss this important issue with members for over an hour after his talk concluded. To Ronnie, thank you for your time and effort. People appreciated your focus on important food issues we all take seriously.

As I walked the aisles of the Natural Products Show, I had to navigate through eager crowds. I talked to many vendors and members, and all seemed happy with the large turnout and well-represented products. People enjoyed tasting existing products and those new at North Farm.

North Farm continues to change, and the most splendid sign of your acceptance of this change is the large attendance at the GMM. Again, thank you for attending the GMM. I look forward to meeting more members at next year’s GMM and to rekindling friendships made this year. 

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The two warehouse tours were well-attended with about 30 people in each tour. Starting in the Outlet Store we proceeded to Receiving through which all products must pass before being put away. We briefly mentioned the Mezzanine where health and beauty products are located and then went on through the Dry Floor into the Staging Area where products are put onto pallets before being loaded onto trucks.

The members also toured the cooler (38°) and freezer (-10°) although the trip through the freezer was pretty quick.

Having seen the complex process required to pick from approximately 5,400 products, members expressed amazement at North Farm’s overall accuracy.

I also touched on issues relating to warehouse operations:

• Receiving processes and how the Warehouse Management System (WMS) puts the product away. This includes picking and stocking items 30 feet in the air. 

• Reracking, which will give us more capacity. This will allow us to receive product faster, thereby reducing out-of-stocks. 

• The Tailgate Outlet Project which we are testing. This will get more products out to the customer and offer good deals. 

• NFC-created mixed cases of some items. It will allow you to buy a better variety without having to buy so many cases. 

• The new prototype Pallet Stack System. This will allow us to better segregate individual accounts to make the delivery process more accurate and timely. 

Thanks to all the members who participated in the tours. Your comments are greatly appreciated.

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Ronnie Cummins Keynotes GMM

North Farm was fortunate to have Ronnie Cummins as keynote speaker for its General Membership Meeting (GMM) held at the Alliant Energy Center May 19.

As National Director of the Organic Consumers Association (OCA), Cummins is known for his strong stance against Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Cummins is currently editor of the popular OCA electronic newsletter BioDemocracy News and the OCA Web site: www.organicconsumers.org

In his book, Genetically Engineered Food: A Self Defense Guide for Consumers, Cummins and co-author Ben Lilliston describe genetic engineering as a “radical new technology, one that breaks down fundamental genetic barriers —not only between species but between humans, animals and plants.”

Ronnie’s suggestions on what you can do:

• Avoid GMOs by buying organic food. Join or form a food buying club (sponsored by North Farm); buy from a natural foods store (such as Magic Mill) or get involved in Community Supported Agriculture- Patronize farmers’ markets.

• Educate yourself on food issues. The OCA Web site is a good place to start.

• Get involved with a local group and/or the national OCA network. Call the national office (218-226-4164) or go to the “Participate Locally” section of the Web site.

Cummins’ organization, the Organic Consumers Association, is a non-profit, public interest organization dedicated to building a healthy, safe and sustainable system of food production and consumption in the U.S. and the world. 

The OCA’s primary strategy is to work on national and global campaigns to integrate public education, litigation, marketplace pressure, direct action, media work and grassroots lobbying so as to address the issues of food safety and genetic engineering and promote sustainable and organic agriculture.

Available From North Farm! Ronnie Cummins sold all the books he had with him at the GMM. Because of the high interest, the book will soon be available through the North Farm Price List. Please see the review in the December 2000 Home Shopping Insider and under “News” at www.northfarm.com

This year’s Herb Walk was a great success with over 30 participants. The walk took place in a small field adjacent to the North Farm Cooperative Warehouse back parking lot. People were surprised to find so many medicinal herbs growing wild in such a small area.

 

In fact, many of our most beloved herbs do not grow in the woods (as some may think) because it is too dark. They grow in lawns, fields and “waste areas” where the ground has been disturbed by humans and then abandoned. 

The small patch of land next to the NFC back parking lot is an excellent area to show people a sample of what is out there. We found seventeen species of plants currently used medicinally, some available on drugstore shelves all over the country. Among other plants, we found plantain (“band aid plant”); nettles for adrenal exhaustion, burnout and hay fever allergies; and burdock, which I have used with clients to clear acne and to help with hypoglycemia and Syndrome X. Jewelweed, nature’s antidote to poison ivy and mosquito bites, grew abundantly, as did mustard. 

It is interesting to note many modern chemotherapy drugs are derived from mustard family plants.

Near the end of the walk were some unobtrusive small plants which were easy to overlook since they were not yet flowering. A closer inspection revealed them to be St. John’s Wort, found in many scientific studies (I’ve personally reviewed over 200 abstracts of studies on this plant) to be useful for mild to moderate depression—as good as Prozac and with fewer side effects. What most people don’t know is it is also an excellent skin herb, scientifically shown to be antiviral (including for the herpes virus and shingles), antibacterial and possessing wound healing qualities. An oil extract is available commercially. I carry it around in my purse as first aid.

I have helped many people through my work as a practitioner and teacher, and I invite you to contact me if you’d like to learn more about less invasive options for healing. 

I can be reached at kwildwood@yahoo.comor 608-767-4035. 

Dragan (his real name) lifted 35-pound dumbbells 1,000 times to beat 15 North Farm challengers who totaled 800 lifts. It was an amazing and inspiring feat of strength and endurance.   Dragan represents Green Foods whose Green Magma Barley Juice (North Farm #4806) is his only supplement. Learn more about Dragan and his training program, Fitness 4 x 4, at  www.greenfoods.com

Peter Robertson, gourmet cook and founder of RP’s Pastas, conducted two cooking workshops at the GMM. Peter says he really enjoyed getting to meet the many North Farmers who buy his pastas and who came to hear him speak.

Peter’s advice about cooking is to lightly sautée vegetables. Use the freshest ingredients possible for both better taste and better nutrition.
 
People eat three times a day and should put more emphasis on what and when they eat. He definitely supports the slow food movement. “Take time to eat” says Peter.
 
RP’s Fresh Pasta produces a full line of “long goods”—fettucine, linguini, angel hair and spaghettini as well lasagna sheets and shapes for salads. North Farm carries two varieties of tortellini and eight of ravioli, all of which are flash frozen to ensure maximum freshness. Find them in the Price List under “Frozen Vegetarian Entrées.”

Next time you’re in Madison, Wisconsin stop at Peter’s store, RP’s Pastas, at 1353 Williamson Street. Check out his Web site at www.rpspasta.com, e-mail rpspasta@chorus.net or call Peter at 1-608-257-7216.

Karen gave two presentations for the North Farm GMM entitled “Foot Reflexology puts a smile on your sole.” She combined reflexology, aromatherapy and hydrotherapy.

Karen began with two rhetorical questions: “How many times have your feet gone the extra mile for you? Isn’t it time you returned the favor?” Karen listed the benefits of foot reflexology: improves nerve and blood supply, relieves stress and tension, creates homeostasis in the body and eliminates toxins. Bonus is you never leave a session in a bad mood . . . guaranteed! 

Those who would benefit most from a pedicure/reflexology session include joggers, dancers, cosmetologists, nurses and, especially, diabetics. Karen suggested as a rule of thumb/toe a foot pedicure be done every week. 

During the live demo, it was shown how to exfoliate the skin, how to use an herbal masque to draw out toxins and then how to rehydrate the skin with a lotion. 

Cornstarch was used in the shoes and socks for absorption because our feet perspire one half cup per day per shoe. Cornstarch is recommended because the pores are the largest on the bottom of the feet. Talcum powder will clog pores and cause problems. 

One member said the class motivated her to go out and buy a foot bath. Following this, she placed an order at North Farm for many of the products demonstrated. Her whole family has enjoyed the benefits of North Farm education and products. She stated the results are phenomenal. 

For a personal reflexology appointment with Karen Myer-Garcia, call 1-920-563-4087. Or e-mail Karen at kmgarcia@idcnet.com

Karen used these North Farm products in her demonstrations:
8101      Deep Pore Cleansing Masque by Kiss Organics
8037      Exfoliating Face Wash, by Kiss Organics
24040    Agave Fiber Washcloth by Ayate
12061    Peppermint; 12037 Lavender & 12093 Tea Tree
               Essential Oils by Nature’s Alchemy
26578    Lavender; 26575 Eucalyptus & 26581 Unscented Ancient
               Secrets Mineral Baths used with the oils.
11231   Jason Wild Yam Feminine Powder was used as a
              cornstarch replacement

Food Allergies and Sensitivities
Strategies to Prevent, Accommodate, Reduce Effects
by Linda A. Long, MD, MPH, Medical Director, Helios Nutrition Ltd.
Sauk Centre, MN

More than 30% of Americans believe they suffer from food allergies, and this number is on the rise. This increase has been linked to many possible factors: 1) increased consumer awareness; 2) global food supply; 3) “hygiene hypothesis” (increased cleanliness leading to lower natural immune challenge); 4) repetitious American diet; 5) consumption of processed foods; 6) infancy and childhood food habits and 7) leaky gut. 

Most adverse food reactions can be categorized as food sensitivities or intolerances, rather than actual food allergies. Many medical doctors believe only 1-2% of adults and 7% of children have true allergy to foods.

Classic food allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to certain proteins in foods. The most common causes of classic food allergies are: peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts and almonds), milk, eggs, fish, shellfish and soybeans. Typical allergic reactions include nausea, hives, skin rash, nasal congestion and wheezing. For individuals with classic food allergy, medical diagnosis, strict allergen avoidance and ready access to an emergency kit in the event of inadvertent exposure are recommended.

Food insensitivities and intolerances occur more frequently than classic allergy and are more difficult to diagnose. Some sources of food sensitivities include several of the above allergens, plus caffeinated beverages, MSG, sulfites, and artificial colors/sweeteners. Identification and avoidance or reduction of offending foods may be helpful in improving symptoms. 

Strategies to accommodate food allergies and sensitivities include: 1) identify the food; 2) eliminate (if necessary) or reduce offending foods; 3) become aware of labeling (read the label, contact the manufacturer, question restaurant cook); 4) manage stress; 5) promote a healthy GI tract and 6) do your own research. 

For more information, see: www.foodallergy.org www.about.com 
(search “food allergy”) 
www.cspinet.org 
Nutrition Action Newsletter,
April 2001
www.heliosnutrition.com

Frank Bombaci, Vice President of Sales for Glaceau, presented “The Importance of Hydration,” at the General Membership Meeting.

It takes eight or more 8-ounce glasses of water each day to keep our bodies properly hydrated. While most people know better, only 34% report drinking the recommended daily amount of water. 

Furthermore, coffee, tea, caffeinated soda, beer and wine are considered dehydrating beverages and do not count towards the recommended servings. These beverages act as diuretics which can cause the body to lose water. 

Symptoms of dehydration include dry, itchy skin; headache; dry mouth; fatigue; nausea; dizziness and darkened urine.

With inadequate hydration, the body is exposed to a variety of risks. Long-term dehydration can affect blood pressure, circulation, digestion and kidney functions. 

Bombaci recommended drinking beyond your thirst. If you are thirsty, drink water until your thirst is quenched, and then drink one-third more for optimal replenishment of fluids.

Glaceau’s products are evaporated, molecularly separated and then condensed using a process of vapor distillation. This also removes dissolved solids, including heavy metals and inorganic minerals. Glaceau products also contain nutrients, including electrolytes (calcium magnesium and potassium) to promote rapid hydration.

For more information, call Glaceau at 1-800-525-0070.

New Flavors, Products, Brands
For July, August Introduction
by Sara Procknow, New Products Committee

New for July and August are several product introductions. Check out these great new additions to North Farm.
 
For Orders Beginning July 1

Newman O’s – Newman’s Own Organics has come up with their version of a certain chocolate sandwich cookie which tastes just like the real thing, only with organic ingredients. Item 10211 Newman O’s is on sale in July and August at 15% off.

Earth Friendly Cleaning Products – Earth Friendly introduces five all-natural household products: 18894 All Purpose Kleener Parsley Scented, 18893 Food Freshener (Refrig), 18895 Laundry Pre-Wash, 18896 Orange Plus Super Concentrate and 18897 Rinse Aid Auto Dishwasher. All are 15% off in July.

Spectrum Salad Dressings – Ten tasty salad dressings from Spectrum are introduced for July. Six are low fat and contain organic ingredients: 4533 Blue Cheese, 4536 Creamy Roasted Pepper, 4538 Honey Dijon, 4542 Mango Madness, 4534 Southwestern Caesar, 4545 Zesty Italian. Four are fat-free and are 100% organic: 4561 Creamy Dill, 4560 Creamy Garlic, 4555 Sweet Onion & Garlic, 4550 Toasted Sesame. All the varieties are 20% off in July and August.

Van’s Waffles – Van’s introduces two new waffles and besides being good for you, they taste great! And, they are on sale in July at 15% off: 10823 Waffle, Flax, Wheat Free and 10824 Waffle, Soy-Flax OG.

Sun Dog Hemp Products – We’ve brought on Sun Dog’s line of hemp oil products, just in time for the summer skin- and hair-care season. Besides selling them individually, we’re also selling them in mixed cases. They are all 25% off in July and August. 13543 Conditioner Hemp Oil Mixed Case, 13544 Shampoo Hemp Oil Mixed Case, 13545 Lip Balm Hemp Mixed Case, 13542 Liquid Soap Mixed Case. 

For Orders Beginning August 1

Lunapads for Women – We’re introducing Lunapads (reusable, organic feminine hygiene products) as an alternative to disposable sanitary pads and liners. A top request from customers, these are new for August: 1012 Starter Kit OG, 1013 Maxi Kit OG, 1014 Long Night Kit OG, 1016 Mini Pads (2) OG, 1018 Extra Liners (4) OG, 1019 Regular Maxi & 2 Liners.

Emerita Women’s Health – We’ve rounded out the Emerita line of products created specifically for women’s heath, these are 15% off in August: 11979 Progest Body Creme Twin Pack, 11980 Menopause Solution Kit, 11981 Women’s Health Resource Book.

Kiss My Face Organics – We’ve made a commitment to bring on more organic products, including the new organic line from Kiss My Face Organics all at 15% off in August. Check out these organic hair care products: 8118 Conditioner Light Weight OG, 8119 Conditioner Response OG, 8121 Shampoo Big Body OG, 8123 Shampoo Whenever OG, 8124 Shampoo SaHaira OG, 8125 Shampoo Miss Treated OG, 8127 Upper Management Style Gel OG.

Blue Farm Chips – Blue Farm introduces new sizes of lightly salted Blue Corn Chips. Product number 6343 is packaged 60/3oz to a case, and 6344 is packaged 12/10oz to a case. They are both on sale at 20% off in August.

Niora Naturals – New from Niora Naturals, cruelty-free hand and body lotions in several scents on sale at 15% off in August: 8459 Vanilla/Sandalwood, 4862 Neroli/Cit/Verbena, 8466 Rose Clary Sage, 8469 Lavender/Rose. Niora donates 5% of profits to improve the environment.

New Book at North Farm
A Women's Health Resource
A Guide to Health and Hormone Balance
#11981 Find in Sundries, Books
15% Off in August & September

In response to the needs of women of all ages, Transitions for Health Women’s Institute has expanded upon their first publication to bring more information to more women. A Women’s Health Resource now includes information about PMS, hysterectomies, uterine fibroids, natural hormones and much more, as well as updated articles and resources from the first edition. 

Key Points:

• Hormone balance is a key factor in the health and well-being of women. 
• Natural approaches exist to help women find and maintain hormone balance throughout their lives. 
• Conditions such as PMS, uterine fibroids, osteoporosis, heart disease and many of the cancers affecting women are influenced by a woman’s hormones, as well as many lifestyle factors. 
• Women go through natural transitions in the course of their lifetime involving periods of hormone change and adaptation, including puberty, pregnancy and menopause. These are natural transitions and not disease states. 
• Every woman will experience these transitions in a unique way. 
• When provided with resources and balanced information, women have the means to positively affect their health and well being in ways which will address their personal and individual needs. 

This collection of articles and resources is designed to help women make informed decisions about their health and well-being throughout their lives. Guided by female physicians, the topics are discussed so the reader can determine what her needs are, as well as the best approaches and solutions to address those needs. Buy this book for yourself, your daughter, your mother, your nieces, your aunts . . .  It’s a valuable, empowering book for all women who care about their health.

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North Farm Staff Picks Favorite Products

Evan McAteer, Buyer
"I really like the new, fresh salsas from Garden Fresh. The Jack's Special Medium(#9566) is my favorite because I like the small chunks of vegetables and the distinct taste of fresh cilantro and garlic. And, because it's medium in its heat, it's not overly spicy and not overly mild either."

Trina Protz, Member Services
"My favorite product is the Eastwind Almond Butter Smooth (#3401), except I don't use it on bread for a nut butter sandwich. Instead, I spread it on vanilla wafers for a great-tasting snack that's not too sweet."

Cami Anundson, Turnover Coordinator, Sales
"My kids love the Organic Valley Chicken Hot Dogs (#7161). We take the Chicken Hot Dogs and Boca Burgers camping. We also always order a mixed case of Stonyfield Yogurts (#19634, #19466, and #19635)—they like the variety."

Katie Manning, Accounting
"Before I started taking the supplement from Nutrition Now called Natural Menopause (#4930), I used to have night sweats and suffered from depression—both associated with menopause. As soon as I started taking the Natural Menopause, the symptoms stopped. I also have many fewer hot flashes.”

Mary Neumann, Buyer
"My dog McDermott likes the Wysong Dog Food. He gets one can of either Chicken All Meat (#7219) or Turkey All Meat (#7266) in the morning and one cup of Maintenance Canine Diet dry food (#19236) each evening. The people in our house like the Aegean Feta (#1184) —it's really very good. 
I crumble it on pasta instead of Parmesan for a change of pace.
I also buy a lot of the Casbah Rice Pilaf Mix (#8587); it is a base for many quick meals at my house. I can microwave it, adding in whatever I have on hand—Eden Cannellini beans (#18258), chopped onion, roasted garlic, cut up asparagus, etc. and then I crumble the feta on top. It makes an easy vegetarian meal."

Chris Balistreri, Sales Representative
“Knudsen Simply Nutritious Lemon Ginger Echinacea (#14972) tastes great and gives you a boost when you’re under the weather. The new Glaceau Smart Water (#15572) is so clean and smooth, a great summertime drink. Both Uncle Matt’s (#4224) and Organic Valley’s (#7695) orange juices are the best available; it’s a toss up between the two. A bread which really rocks is Alvarado’s Sprouted Multigrain Frozen Bread (#3317). For a frozen organic bread, this is not only good for you but tastes awesome—especially toasted! RP’s Pasta Ravioli Sweet Potato (#18825) is great with a verde hot sauce! Garden Fresh Thick & Chunky Salsa (#9565) is as close as you can get to making it from vegetables grown right in your own garden.

Ray Blenker, Accounting
"I have been using Nature's Alchemy Cedarwood Oil (#12011) to combat the moths in my home. I sprinkle the oil on cedarwood chips and put them in drawers and closets throughout the house. Now I don't have moths and the Cedarwood Oil smells much better than moth balls."

Pam Herbrand, Purchasing
"We order Newman's Own Sockarooni Spaghetti Sauce (#3073) by the case. Even my sons can fix a spaghetti dinner faster than you can say...’sockarooni’. It's thick and chunky and it has a really good flavor."

Carla Bohan, Member Services
"I buy the Champagne (Toffee) Almonds from Midwest Northern (#17882)— everyone loves them. I also like the Shelton's Chicken Pot Pie (#2803) because it has big chunks of chicken and a more natural taste. I also buy Earth Friendly Dish Soap (#18982); it has a wonderful almond scent and the suds last a long time. I buy each of my daughters Earth Friendly Room Sprays (#18988, #18995, #11072), the scent stays longer and it’s hypoallergenic. It may cost more but because you don't have to use as much it’s a good value."

Gillian Pomplun, Purchasing
"The Lundberg Organic Brown Rice (#5790) is an essential purchase for me. It's a basic part of my diet. I also like the Newman's Own Organic Dark Chocolate Pea-nut Butter Cups (#10721) way too much, so I try not to buy them!"

Mark Slagh, General Manager
“For those who love spicy foods, may I suggest the olive that packs a punch: Santa Barbara Jalapeño Stuffed Olives (#8212). These excellent green olives have a salty start followed by a gentle burn on the back of the palate that calls for another. Be warned, the 5 oz. jar may not last too long!”

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Pantry Values: Stock Up and Save

North Farm Cooperative introduced the Pantry Values Program in the July/August Price List. Pantry Values offer buying club members great deals each month at a minimum discount of 25%. Please see the July/August Price List for September Pantry Values.

Pantry Values are pre-orders, published in the Home Shopping Price List, the Home Shopping Insider and 
e-mailed to buying clubs who request it and provide us an
e-mail address. 

Orders can be placed by faxing your order to Customer Service clearly labeled "Pantry Values."

Please note, the pre-order deadline may be different from the order date for your regular order. The Pantry Values will be added to your club’s regular order. You can still place an order if you miss the pre-order date, but North Farm will not be able to guarantee quantities on hand. North Farm guarantees all pre-orders placed by the date indicated on the order form.

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